Introduction to Blackwall

Blackwall, formerly known as BotGuard, is an Estonia-based startup that focuses on protecting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) from malicious online traffic. The company was founded by cybersecurity entrepreneur Nikita Rozenberg, who recognized the need for a platform that could help SMBs defend against threats such as DDoS attacks and scraping.

The platform uses AI to inspect and filter traffic in real-time, preventing malicious requests from reaching the website or application. This approach has resonated with investors, including Dawn Capital, which led the Series B funding round.

Funding and Expansion

The €45 million Series B funding will be used to further develop new products beyond the company's flagship product, GateKeeper. Blackwall plans to double its headcount and expand into the US and APAC markets, with the support of Dawn Capital and other investors.

The company's channel model, which involves partnering with intermediaries such as hosting service providers and e-commerce platforms, has been successful in scaling the business quickly. With a team of 65, Blackwall's services are now deployed across more than 2.3 million websites and applications.

Market Context

The rise of bots, both good and bad, has increased the need for effective traffic filtering solutions. Blackwall's focus on SMBs, which are often more vulnerable to cyber threats, has positioned the company for growth in a rapidly evolving market.